Forgiveness in Irish (Maithiúnas): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for forgiveness?

The Irish for forgiveness is maithiúnas (pronounced “MA-hoo-nus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean pardon.

Q: Does maithiúnas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Maithiúnas can mean forgiveness or pardon, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “forgiveness” in Irish

Irish:: maithiúnas
English:: forgiveness, pardon
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “MA-hoo-nus” /ˈmˠahuːnˠəsˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: maithiúnais, an mhaithiúnais (e.g. impí an mhaithiúnais, the plea for forgiveness)

What does “maithiúnas” mean?

“Maithiúnas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

forgiveness: The act of forgiving someone for a wrong they have done.Also: pardon, remission.

1 other meaning: pardon

2pardon: An official pardon or amnesty granted to offenders.Also: amnesty.

Other Irish words for forgiveness: pardún (pardon), maitheamh (forgiveness), maiteachas (forgiveness)

“Maithiúnas” with the article

Here is maithiúnas after the article (an t-alt).

an maithiúnas

the forgiveness

No change after an

“Maithiúnas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using maithiúnas, the Irish word for forgiveness.

Ba mhaith liom maithiúnas a iarraidh ort.

I'd like to ask your forgiveness.

Thug sí maithiúnas dó ar deireadh.

She forgave him in the end.

Tá maithiúnas tábhachtach i ngach cairdeas.

Forgiveness is important in every friendship.

Ghuigh sé ar Dhia ag iarraidh maithiúnais.

He prayed to God asking for forgiveness.

Níl an maithiúnas éasca i gcónaí.

Forgiveness isn't always easy.

Fuair na príosúnaigh maithiúnas ón rialtas.

The prisoners received a pardon from the government.

Bhí sé ag lorg maithiúnais óna athair.

He was seeking his father's forgiveness.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Forgiveness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for forgiveness?

The Irish for forgiveness is maithiúnas (pronounced “MA-hoo-nus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean pardon.

How do you pronounce maithiúnas in Irish?

Maithiúnas is said like “MA-hoo-nus” (IPA /ˈmˠahuːnˠəsˠ/).

Does maithiúnas have a plural?

No plural form is given for maithiúnas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does maithiúnas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Maithiúnas can mean forgiveness or pardon, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does maithiúnas change to mhaithiúnas?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaithiúnas. After ár (our) it stays ár maithiúnas, because m does not take eclipsis.

How do I ask someone to forgive me using maithiúnas?

Say 'Iarraim maithiúnas ort' (I ask your forgiveness); the verb is 'maith' as in 'Maith dom é' (Forgive me for it).

What is the difference between maithiúnas and pardún?

Maithiúnas is forgiveness in general, while pardún is more often an official pardon, though 'gabh mo phardún' is also used for 'excuse me'.

Forgiveness in Irish (Maithiúnas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage